THE average price of a pint will spill over £5 for the first time next month — with pub chiefs blaming Labour’s tax raid.
Drinkers will pay an average £5.01, up 21p, as landlords pass on crippling new costs.
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The British Beer and Pub Association says pubs are being hit hard by changes taking effect in April from last year’s Budget.
These include a rise in the minimum wage, higher National Insurance bills for employers and a cut to business rates relief — slashing support from 75 per cent to 40 per cent.
The BBPA estimates they will cost the sector £650million, leaving many pubs with no choice but to raise prices.
Emma McClarkin, of the BBPA, said: “The cumulative impact of these taxes and regulations is now plain to see and it is highly unfortunate that the only way many pubs can remain viable is to pass on the array of upcoming costs to consumers.
“No one wants to see the cost of an average pint rise by a further 21p and break the £5 average pint barrier.
“It’s more urgent than ever that the Government looks at ways to cap or reduce the costs of business so we can keep pubs open and make sure the price of a pint remains affordable.”
The Sun’s Save Our Sups campaign is calling on ministers to throw a lifeline to boozers.
Tim Black, of Frontier Economics, said: “The sector is at the sharp end of a wave of changes.
“The cumulative impact will be significant.”